1 August 2014

Swiss National Day, August 1st

Since 1891, the first of August has been celebrated as Swiss National
Day. The date refers to a historic alliance concluded in 1291 by the
three cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. This alliance was to
become the focal point around which the Switzerland of today was built
over the next 500 years.

Men from these three cantons "at the beginning of the month of August
1291" swore eternal allegiance to one another, promising mutual help
and assistance. The alliance was mainly formed against the Habsburgs,
who were striving to strengthen their position in the strategic region
leading to the Gotthard Pass at...read on.